Many people take aging in place for granted, but there are plenty of variables that could make this plan difficult for your senior. If you haven’t already checked out some of these factors, now might be the time to do so.
Home Care in Manteca CA: Aging in Place
Changes to Her Physical and Mental Health
As your elderly family member’s health and cognitive abilities change that can mean that it’s more difficult for her to do what she’s always done. She may run out of energy faster than she ever did before. It may be tough for her to even know what the right next move is to keep her as safe as possible.
Trouble at Home
At some point, it can become extremely difficult for your aging family member to keep up with modifications and repairs at home. The regular daily housekeeping tasks may become impossible, too. When that happens, it’s either time for someone else to take over or your elderly family member may need to move to another location.
Poor Security in Her Neighborhood
If your senior has lived in her neighborhood for a long time, she may not see some of the changes that have taken place. Very few neighborhoods have the same level of safety over the span of decades. People move and businesses may open or close. Cities also change traffic patterns over the years. All of that can leave your senior a little less safe at home than she once was.
A Lack of Companionship
Even people who like to be alone now and again can find it difficult to spend a lot of time on their own. If your elderly family member doesn’t have the same level of companionship that she once did, that can lead to feeling isolated and lonely. From there, she’s at a greater risk of developing depression.
Inability to Drive
Your elderly family member might not be able to drive any longer, either. This can present problems on multiple levels. She may find that it’s difficult to do all sorts of normal activities, like picking up her prescriptions and making sure she has groceries in the house. Having an alternative form of transportation is crucial for her.
Elder care providers can make all the difference for your aging adult when it comes to staying in her own home for as long as possible. They can help her with all of these issues and more when they crop up. Talk to your elderly family member about what elder care services can do for her.